This is a one-time class for learners 12-17 years old.

Across the highlands of Ethiopia, forests now only exist around rural churches.  All the other forests have long ago been cutdown in this drought-prone nation.  The remnant forests are protected by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and are home to native drought-tolerant plant species of vital importance to the future of Ethiopia; they are 'seed banks' for the hope of regreening the nation and protecting its food security.  This one-time class will provide a presentation on the history, culture, and challenges facing these church forests, and will be given by one of the world's leading experts (see Sources for more info). 

The class is an example of the academic domain of "Religion and Ecology" that examines (from a secular and academic perspective) the intersectionality of culture, religion, and history on ecological attitudes throughout the world.  The aim is to teach awareness and appreciation of these wonderful forests, as well as to give objective insights on the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in context of understanding one of the world's religions only in terms of history and culture.  The class is not religious.  It provides a neutral analysis of a world religion as it relates to ecology from the academic domains of sociology, anthropology, and history.  No personal beliefs on religion or politics will be presented.  The class is history and ecology, pure and simple.  

Topics to be covered include predevelopment ecology, historical deforestation and its consequences on food insecurity and famine, the history of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the place of nature in their religious worldview, the use of the forests by the church and wandering monastics, and the contemporary ecological challenges and opportunities for reforestation.  

No prior knowledge or background required, just an interest in history and ecology.  It is open to learners of any religious background or none at all.   The presentation will be historical, objective, secular, and academic.